Space Management

Refining and defining the use of space is an integral part of the foundation of the campus and will serve to undergird UCR’s path to preeminence and focus on excellence. Increased enrollment and faculty growth necessitate a close look at how space is currently utilized on campus in order to identify areas for increased efficiency and maximum utilization. A recent Space Utilization Study developed recommendations regarding the optimal management of space for the university in light of anticipated growth. Effective space management will require a shift in how the campus community thinks about space. Adjusting to a campus-wide view of space will unearth critical changes to be made; some of which may be difficult. However, this shift will serve to strengthen the foundation of the overall campus, moving UCR forward on the path to preeminence.

Story/Background

Refining and defining the use of space is an integral part of the foundation of the campus and will serve to undergird UCR’s path to preeminence and focus on excellence. Increased enrollment and faculty growth necessitate a close look at how space is currently utilized on campus in order to identify areas for increased efficiency and maximum utilization.

In January 2015 UCR released the findings of the Space Utilization Study. The charge of the study was to develop recommendations regarding the optimal management of space for the university in light of anticipated growth. Through focus groups, individual meetings with Vice Chancellors and Deans, departmental studies and facilities tours, the study provided in depth analysis of space use and constraints on campus. Identification of best practices from other universities as well as the private sector also informed the analysis, providing benchmarks useful in situating the current state of space at UCR.

The study noted that office, research, meeting and student spaces are each under pressure at UCR, requiring standards to be developed as to how current space is utilized. Though all campus space belongs to the Provost, the current culture of space “silos” impedes improved utilization and collaborative sharing opportunities. The funding structure was identified as one obstacle and is being addressed in order to incentivize the efficient use of space across campus. Maximizing current space resources will be a primary focus of long term planning and will affect decisions regarding the need for new building space, potentially freeing up funds to go towards other key initiatives.

Effective space management will require a shift in how the campus community thinks about space. Adjusting to a campus-wide view of space will unearth critical changes to be made; some of which may be difficult. However, this shift will serve to strengthen the foundation of the overall campus, moving UCR forward on the path to preeminence.

If you have questions about space at UCR or how to better utilize your space, please contact: